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For Democrats, Even ‘Safe’ Seats Are Shaky
By JEFF ZELENY
Published: October 11, 2010

ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio — Republicans are expanding the battle for the House into districts that Democrats had once considered relatively safe, while Democrats began a strategy of triage on Monday to fortify candidates who they believe stand the best chance of survival.As Republicans made new investments in at least 10 races across the country, including two Democratic seats here in eastern Ohio, Democratic leaders took steps to pull out of some races entirely or significantly cut their financial commitment in several districts that the party won in the last two election cycles.

Representatives Steve Driehaus of Ohio, Suzanne M. Kosmas of Florida and Kathy Dahlkemper of Pennsylvania were among the Democrats who learned that they would no longer receive the same infusion of television advertising that party leaders had promised. Party strategists conceded that these races and several others were slipping out of reach.

With three weeks remaining to save its majority, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has increased its spending on two New York races, along with at-risk seats in Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky and Massachusetts, setting up a map of competitive districts that is starkly different from when the campaign began.

The strategic decisions unfolded at a feverish pace on Monday over an unusually wide playing field of nearly 75 Congressional districts, including here in Ohio, a main battleground in the fight for the House and the Senate. The developments resembled pieces being moved on a giant chess board, with Republicans trying to keep Democrats on the defensive in as many places as possible, while outside groups provided substantial reinforcements for Republicans.

The only Michigan seat that will go red is Bart Stupak's. His district is pretty conservative, and he was always a fairly conservative dem.

The elderly will keep Dingell in office. Gary Peter's opponent is a crook, so he will probably keep his seat. He's only been in office 2 years, so his district might not hate him yet.

I'm not sure if the GOP is even running someone against my congressman, Sander Levin.

I'm pretty sure that Rick Snyder will win the governor's race, possibly in a landslide. If he can sway enough Detroit voters, it will be a huge victory for him and the GOP. I think a lot of young black voters are looking his way.

My sister is annoyed with me for supporting Rick, because the opposition is claiming he's antiabortion. He stated that he believed when the economy gets better, there will be fewer abortions, which is very similar to statements Clinton has made over the years.

One of Rick's new ads puts it this way-50% of the jobs lost in this country in the last decade were lost in Michigan. I like him because he's the first GOP candidate to reach out to poor and black people in Detroit since Milliken in the 70s.